Implementation of the revised Sihlwald Protection Ordinance underway

With the revision of the protection ordinance for the Sihlwald by the Canton of Zurich, it has been possible to address the concerns of various municipalities and interest groups and continue to ensure comprehensive protection of the core zone. The changes have been in force since the end of October 2015, and the Zurich Wilderness Park has now begun to implement them on behalf of the Canton of Zurich.

The newly added bridleways and cycle paths have been signposted in the forest since the end of 2015. The updated maps for the information pillars in Sihlwald and new maps for hikers, bikers and horse riders are currently being developed. As a temporary solution, it is planned to put up information boards with the changes at the most important entrances to the natural forest by spring at the latest.

At the beginning of this week, two forest roads in the core zone (Albishornstrasse and Sandstrasse sections) were also closed. These closures were decided back in 2008, but have not yet been implemented. They help to ensure that the ecologically valuable core zone can develop undisturbed. Some trees at the entrances to the closed roads have been sawn down and moved. Closing paths with the help of trees has proven to be an effective method in the Sihlwald. Other barriers can easily be bypassed or removed. The deadwood created in this way also provides a valuable habitat for many mosses, fungi and insects.

The Sihlwald Protection Ordinance has regulated the use and protection of the natural forest since 2008. On October 23, 2015, the Building Department issued the revised protection ordinance. The Sihlwald is a protected area of national importance. In 2009, the forest received the official label "Nature Discovery Park - Park of National Importance" from the Federal Office for the Environment.

Further information

Isabelle Roth
Deputy Managing Director and Head of Natural Forest
Tel. 044 722 55 17
isabelle.roth@wildnispark.ch